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Exploring the Origins of Bioluminescence in Corals
An international team of researchers, spearheaded by Danielle DeLeo of the Smithsonian Institution, has made a groundbreaking discovery in the depths of the ocean. They have identified eight organisms with previously unknown luminosity, shedding light on the mysterious world of bioluminescent corals. The study, published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, unveils the origins of coral bioluminescence, dating back an astonishing 540 million years to the Cambrian period.
Unveiling the Mysteries of the Deep Sea
While shallow-water corals may not exhibit bioluminescence, deep-sea varieties are adorned with vibrant colors and captivating displays. The purpose behind these enchanting glow-in-the-dark coral exhibits has long been a subject of fascination among researchers. It is believed that these displays may serve to attract large predators, deterring smaller marine life that feed on corals or luring in potential prey.
A Remarkable Discovery in the Depths
The genetic research conducted by Manabu Bessho-Uehara, formerly of Nagoya University, and Andrea Quattrini of the Smithsonian Institution, paved the way for this remarkable discovery. During fieldwork spanning from the shallow to the deep sea floor, including Nagoya University’s Sugashima Marine Station near Toba, Japan, they unearthed previously unidentified bioluminescence in two types of Hexacorallia (soft corals) and five types of Octocorallia.
Delving into the Genetic Code
Building upon the team’s findings in modern organisms, a diverse group of researchers from institutions such as the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, Florida International University, and the University of California, constructed a phylogenetic tree to trace the origins of bioluminescence in anthozoans. This evolutionary tree, based on genetic data, reveals the shared ancestry and evolutionary connections among diverse groups of organisms.
Unlocking the Secrets of the Ancient Coral
The researchers’ findings point to a common ancestor of Octocorallia corals as the origin of bioluminescence. This discovery places the emergence of bioluminescence in corals during the Cambrian period, a staggering 540 million years ago, making them the earliest known bioluminescent organisms. The revelation of this ancient wonder leaves us in awe of the mysteries that lie beneath the ocean’s surface.
Implications for Evolution and Ecology
The study offers valuable insights into the evolution of marine organisms during the Cambrian era, a pivotal period in the history of life on Earth. As invertebrates developed light-sensitive eyes during this time, the possibility of light-mediated interactions between anthozoans and organisms with photoreceptors opens up new avenues for understanding the ecology of this crucial evolutionary period.
As Manabu Bessho-Uehara reflects on the results, he is struck by the wonders that the ocean holds. The discovery of bioluminescence dating back further than previously thought serves as a testament to the boundless mysteries of the deep sea.
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